RAW.ART.STYLE.FASHION MAGAZINE

Hendra J. Jacobs 925 Sutter Street, Apt 305 San Francisco, CA 94109 (202) 469-9641 Hennywrites@gmail.com Education MFA, Fashion Journalism - Academy of Art University/ San Francisco, CA - May 2012 BFA, Fashion Design/Marketing - American InterContinental University/ Atlanta, GA - June 2008 Study Abroad, Fashion/Visual Merchandising - American InterContinental University/ London, UK - October 2005 Highlights OF FASHION CAREER Journalist, Stylist, Merchandiser, Consultant • Over 8 years of experience in visual merchandise and retail sales • Proven ability to creatively style independent photo shoots, and assist with photo editing • Featured on various fashion websites and blogs for style and poise • Assistant to others with writings i.e. resumes/cover letters, websites, and magazine pitches • Excellent writing/organizational/communication/interpersonal skills with great computer techniques • Design Intern with Betsey Johnson New York, New York 2008 Professional Experience Donna Karan (DKNY) - San Francisco, CA Holiday Promotion 2011 Product Demonstrator • Merchandised products on a daily basis • In store model, helped to promote new merchandise • Demonstrated/updated consumers on how new products should be worn, treated, and styled Moleskine (Bloomingdale’s) - San Francisco, CA Aug. 2011- Dec. 2011 Brand Ambassador/Vendor • Helped to ensure displays are set up on floor and properly merchandised • Answered consumer and store personnel questions about the collection and brand • Provided clear, comprehensive reporting by market on consumer interactions, consumer feedback, traffic patterns, and effectiveness of merchandising Nordstrom - San Francisco, CA April 2011- Sept. 2011 Cashier/Sales Floor Assistant • Administered administrative duties-i.e. customer ordering, cashier, merchandise tracker, etc.

• Maintained a professional and energetic countenance in a swift manner ensuring customer satisfaction Stylesalt - www.stylesalt.com Jan. 2011 to May 2011 Fashion Writer/Blogger • Blogging- social media marketing and improving the user experience • Wrote and educating readers on fashion trends, hot topics, and sale alerts • Assisted with the online catalog and boutique helping provide a user-friendly environment Dillard’s Department Store - Monroe, LA Oct. 2009 to Jan.2010 Visual Merchandiser/Sales • Modeled, styled, merchandised • Conceived and edited ideas for an in-store promotional commercial • Merchandised new arrivals on a weekly basis and maintained high profile clientele American Apparel - Silver Spring, MD Oct. 2008 to June 2009 Visual Merchandiser/Keyholder • Coordinated all visual tasks, upkeep, merchandise, and creativity • Corresponded with NY corporate office regarding visual tasks and updates • Responsible for styling/dressing mannequins and merchandise design throughout store • Directed and monitored associate placement and training

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Editor-in-Chief

HENNY JACOBS Creative Director

HENNY JACOBS Design Director

PAUL T PLALE Photography

MARK ELZEY JR ZENEP ENDEROGLU BAILEY HARADA-STONE Digital Imaging

PAUL T PLALE Copy/Research

HENNY JACOBS Featured Artists

KAVIN ORANTES SHAWN VALES CHANTAL MARSHALL KYNDRA DONELSON DANA ANDERSON CHERLISE PAYNE

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Contents Tom’s Shoes ~ p.6 Who doesn’t love giving back? If you say you don’t...

Abstract Fashion ~ p.28 Who is done with the over-the-top looks of today? We aren’t.

Bring on the eccentricity of fashion!! ... Maybe not Gaga.

Jean-Paul Gaultier ~ p.36 The Enfant Terrible himself in San Francisco turned into a slight rock show!!

Photoshoots p.10

p.17

p.22 p.30

Artist Spotlights Kavin Orantes Dark Voice of The People, His People & Himself. Page 42 Chantal Marshall Illustrator, Shoe Designer, and So Much More. Page 46 Shawn Vales When Art Meets Mysticism. Page 49 ON THE COVER Model: Caitlyn Randrup, Photographer: Bailey Harada-Stone, Stylists: Henny Jacobs and Deborah Metts, Hair Stylists: Alyssa Kevil, Make-Up: Keira Rowland 5 | RAW

THE GREATNESS BEHIND THE BRAND

TOM’S SHOES

In today’s society everyone has a charity, from-musicians, actors/ actresses, models, fashion designers etc. At times motives can be in question, because it changes the morale of the company but, ultimately makes me think whether they are just following the corporate “band-wagon” and striving to stay afloat. However, I would like to think that there is a gentler and compassionate outlook for those in need. In my opinion, the best company or person that formed this technique from real ideas and a genuine spirit is Blake Mycoskie, creator and founder of TOMS Shoes. I’m sure many people have heard of these shoes, or own a pair, but I love the story behind the brand.

The whole idea stemmed from Mycoskie traveling to Argentina and Africa, and while in Argentina he noticed shoes there called apalgatas. Alpalgatas are lightweight shoes, worn by Argentinian residents, and farmers, and have been worn for hundreds of years.

Blake then began traveling to poorer villages in Argentina and Africa where children couldn’t afford shoes, or even worst, some kids couldn’t go to school because they had to share shoes with their siblings. This off course was absurd to Blake, and he created a shoe company in 2006. Thus, TOMS’ (short for tomorrow) “Shoes for Tomorrow Project”. So he created a shoe company from the alpalgatas, and now every trendy, punk, or hipster kid wears them.

And in turn every shoe bought is donated to one of his charities, and a pair of shoes is given to children in need. Since then, he has created tons of different styles of shoes- breast cancer inspired, burlap, crochet, rubber soles, patterned, plain, wedges, etc. He has collaborated with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, and other companies, to help make a difference.

In 2011, TOMS Eyewear was launched, with the same concept in mind as the shoes. For every pair of glasses sold, a child in need will receive medical care, prescription glasses, or sight-saving surgery.

Every season or so, a staff from TOMS shoes come to the Nordstrom in downtown San Francisco, wherein, customers who purchased TOMS are also able to get them painted and designed to their liking. COOL perks right? Now that to me is what giving back is all about!

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African Shoot

BAck to the Roots

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On Valerie (Left) Patterned Dress With Red Strapped Back - Wasteland, SF Bamboo Brown & Red Earrings; Brown African Inspired Bracelet - Stylist Owned On Catia (Right) Graphic Printed Dress - Urban Outfitters Bracelets; Colorful Turban; Golden Moveable Necklace - Stylist Owned

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This African-inspired shoot was created to give way to tribal art with a fun and radiant way of light, and all things inclusive of color and shapes. Back to the Roots is both quirky and eccentric.

Photographer Mark Elzey Jr. stated, “Back to the Roots is about the rejuvenation of creativity in African culture, bringing back the true elements of a strong, defined race of Africans.”

When I think about roots, or ethnic beauty, the first place that comes into my mind is Africa - the motherland, blackness, rich history, wealth, the start of civilization, and especially strength.

With the dynamic ability to originate as a forsaken region, Africa is now a cornucopia of developmental beauty; with a undermined outlook and a victorious history, that many claim to be - the inception of life… Back to the ROOTS!

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On Catia (Left) Yellow Boots - Christian Louboutin, Paris France Pink Earrings - H&M Black Turban; Beaded Necklace; Colorful Jumper - Stylist Owned On Valerie (Center) Color Blocking Bathing Suit - Wasteland, SF Feathered Orange Scarf H&M Beaded Necklace - Stylist Owned On Germaine (Right) Cheetah Cropped Vest Wasteland, SF Feather Earrings; Silver Bracelets; Black and Gold Bikini with Ruffle; Knee Boots - Stylist Owned

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Leather Vest/ Period Piece (Act Costume) Leather Obi Belt (Stylist Owned) Black Tulle Face Covering (Britex Fabrics) Black Back Seemed Hosiery/ Hand Distressed (Nordstrom)

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Model: Caitlyn Randrup Photographer: Bailey Harada-Stone Stylists: Henny Jacobs & Deborah Metts Hair Stylists: Alyssa Kevil Make-Up: Keira Rowland

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“Model Caitlyn Randrup is dark and dazzling amidst the quaint reminiscence of elusiveness and androgyny” - Henny Jacobs

Silk, Raw Cut Dress (Reliquary SF) Geo-Clash Silver Earrings (Stylist Owned)

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Vintage Black Wool Dress (Act Costume) Black Back-Seamed Hosiery (Nordstrom) Silk Knotted Black Belt; Geo-Clash Silver Earrings (Stylist Owned)

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This shoot was created

by Henny Jacobs in collaboration with styling partner, Deborah Metts. With this innovative duo joining forces as art directors, The Puppet Show was anything but insipid. It’s bold, thoughtful and daring.

“We wanted to shoot something dark and edgy without being too obvious. The results were gracefully styled pieces paired with dark hues and rough textures. It turned out exquisitely!” - Deborah Metts

This editorial was created to give an illusion to women, or to play on the idea that models are muses. A mere canvas for designers, photographers, and especially stylists. Suffice to say, a puppet, and we as creators, are the puppeteers - the mad scientists. In many forms, we give way to the light, and grim to the darkness. We shape the ideas that mask and cloud our judgement, hence producing RAW interpretations of what is seen or unseen.

<<< Leather Obi Belt Draped Around Neck; Black Bustier (Stylist Owned) Full Length Black Broom Skirt (Act Costume) Black Leather Studded Bracelet (H&M) >>> Leather Obi Belt Draped Around Neck; Chain Link Silver Belt (Stylist Owned) Full Length Black Broom Skirt (Act Costume) Metallic Arm Cuffs; Cropped Knit Tank (H&M)

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Gritty and

Unknown

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Photographer: Zenep Enderoglu Hair/ Makeup: Henny Jacobs Models: Paris Yuan; Elisa Bryner Red Heels; Gold Lame Shirt; Red Vintage Bracelet; Gun Earrings; Black & Gold Belt; Studded Heels Stylist Owned Disco Pants; Body Suit American Apparel Leopard-Lined Leather Jacket; Gold Bracelets - H&M Black Spiked Heels KG by Kurt Geiger Mirror Shades - Aldo

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Annette Beauty

When I think of anything abstract, I think of the word in terms of something that is theoretical and it may not possess concrete objects. It is sometimes only understood artistically or intellectually.

Abstraction forms a language of colors and shapes that is visually stimulating, and forms more conceptual ideas.

When it comes to abstract dressing, the first person that pops in our minds is probably the every-changing Lady Gaga. Whether it’s her infamous meat dress, her hairmade bow, or her many veils or headdresses, Lady Gaga always ensures a spotlight.

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Gaga will not only surprise us, but also wow us with her ensembles, and whatever the case may be, she inevitably keeps everyone on their toes.

Although very unpredictable, Gaga is not the only celebrity pushing the envelope to the extreme. Other flashy celebrities include Rihanna, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and who can forget about Bjork.

These quaint celebs weren’t the first to push envelopes.

Can we think back to Grace Jones, Madonna, David Bowie, Isabella Blow, and Elton John?

These daring folks were quite audacious and pushed the fashion limit before some of us

were even born. Subsequently, their styles have transcended into today’s popular culture, and resurfaced.

So, how do we start to understand and accept today’s innovative fashion style?

We embrace it, and realize that there are some people that are just exceptionally different. It may be an act for publicity, or they may just be expressing their artistic or creative freedom. It’s fun and it takes loads of confidence to pull these looks off, so why not enjoy the craziness of fashion!

In the words of Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

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Prototype: Blueprint of Style Prototype is a contemporary online boutique offering women the most stunning dresses, accessories, and staples for their wardrobe. Prototype is geared towards catering to women who are sophisticated and stylish, and who enjoy classic and timeless pieces with a twist.

Fashionista and Prototype’s creator, Cherlise Payne, selected the name “Prototype” for its definition- the first or primary type of anything, the original or model. To Payne, Prototype suggests, “The Blueprint of Style.” She believes that a woman defines herself and her sense of style when she dresses nicely.

Hailing all the way from Theodore, AL, Payne is not allowing the slowness of the South to slow her down. Siting fashion as her first passion, after her lovely children. Prototype has now become one of her other babies.

Payne states that Prototype will focus on the following on COMPLETE EXCLUSIVITY. Customers will not find the same brands carried in Prototype in other boutiques in the area. However, Prototype will offer, personal shopping for the busy customers, trunk shows will take place in order to showcase new merchandise.

Workshops will also be used to educate customers on the designers carried by Prototype, as well as each season’s new trends. Customers will even learn how to dress for their specific body type, and any occasion. Payne assures us that customer service will be the key component in succeeding with Prototype.

Payne is inevitably right on her way.

Recently on April 7th Prototype Boutique launched its new online site www.shopprototype.com. Customers are able to shop on the user friendly website for the latest in fashionable accessories. Prototype Boutique is now a part of the vast amount of online boutiques, specializing in contemporary accessories. While branching out from word of mouth and Facebook/ Twitter, fans are now able to readily access the site whenever they please.

Stay tuned to Cherlise Payne, she is an entrepreneur on the rise!!!

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Entrepreneur

on the Rise Cherlise Payne

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The Abyss A clasp of wind strikes me as I fall to my knees unaware Of the time when I left myself drowning in the melancholy abyss Hoping and praying that you would come and save me (My knight in shining armor) Some nights I sit there while still in the abyss and I cry wishing I could grasp for a minuscule moment of your time See, while you’ve been working all day I’ve been trying to sweep the pain away Far off to another place Where I could share love and give While coping with the fright and the embarrassment of the life I once lived Instead of having the urge to cast my feelings away I will forever try to get away from this debt I must to pay To My Soul, Who Really knows Do I know this stranger or is it a monster in this abyss What really transpired was it a glance or may be a kiss Who is to blame for the night he crept softly in her room Pounding and thrusting he made life in her womb Who is the stranger and why was he here Everything about the stranger seemed so unclear Who is this stranger in the abyss that keeps provoking this riot in my brain Why am I forced to go incredibly insane Why have these morbid thoughts struck nerves in my arteries and veins I’m looking at the abyss and it’s never quite the same It suddenly turns into a room similar to the room that I’m in This couldn’t be. I didn’t see. That all along…

The stranger in the abyss was... ME!

Empty Canvas Today I painted you...

Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough of you, my empty canvas Enough to even finish the emptiness, the solemnest, of a portrait Oh how the days go by, where my mind drifts off yonder Off yonder, to a mountaintop, and it is there where I am free I am free, I feel like the world is my canvas And on that canvas, I paint everything the color of my heart My heart that you once colored...

No longer holds the marks of you No longer holds the strokes of you...

No longer encompasses our very own composition The composition that once created a portrait of us, as fine art, it is now... Lifeless A draft, insipid...

And yet, a mock up, with endless beauty and shape…

At last, I am fine with emptiness that you possessed Because, you often showed me how different you were from the rest, The lines have formed with someone else.

Thank you, my empty canvas…

Poetry & Digital Painting by Henny Jacobs

Detached History Shackles, bondage, entrapped souls left and battered Beaten like wolves, hung like fur Treated like animals, centuries unmarked in shambles Shipped off to the oblivion of hell No one could hear their screams or yells Screams of torment and oppression No time for answers and questions An unclaimed depth of demise searching for life No matter what becomes of this cumbersome strife A detached and unjust mystery… To some…

The reality of a detached history

Return of Moon Away with the sun Up to the stars Next stop on this ride Maybe Jupiter or Mars We could jump We could fly Who knows not I As long as we never have to say goodbye Cloudiness is seeping through Yonder breaks the skies are blue Blue like the oceans shore Blue like the rivers core Night falls the day is gone A new horizon is coming strong I invited the sun to come on over It sneaks up and kisses me on my shoulder Piercing my cocoa skin with its complex rays This is our utopia no need to say Our perfect world will be ending soon But not until the return of moon

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Collective84 on Men’s Fashion Dana Anderson has always had the strength and street smarts of a New Yorker, and the style of a fashionista.

Anderson was born and raised in Queens, New York, and has more spice and gumption than others in the fashion industry. Anderson, or Dash as most of her peers refers to her, definitely lives up to her nickname. Siting the nickname as a local business that she started in Atlanta, GA., while studying Fashion Marketing, at American InterContinental University. Anderson has ultimately taken a, “dash” of her background in fashion, her savvy nature, and materialized into an entrepreneur. By implementing the tools that she has learned from education and experience in fashion, she has taken on a new business venture, Collective84.

Entrepreneur

on the Rise

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Collective84 is an exclusive Fashion Firm that provides a platform, in which emerging menswear designers can showcase their work. Collective84 offers each participant local and global marketing exposure. Giving developing brands the opportunity to come together and build quality relationships with other brands, buyers and consumers.

Collective84’s innovative tools will help to create change in the fashion industry, as well as enable evolving designers the chance to establish their lines. By ultimately looking for fresh and inno-vative brands, Collective84 will change the way we look at men’s fashion.

Collective84 offers high quality marketing strategies for participants through multiple social networks and publicity. They merge buyers and consumers together to build positive fashion relationships. Collective84 will strive to create change in the fashion world, by giving vendors the chance to introduce their lines.

Anderson is also working on various projects on a daily basis. With an acces-sories company in the works, Anderson is not slowing down. Look out for Ms. Dana Dash Anderson; she is an entrepreneur on the rise!!!

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L’enfantTerrible comes to

San Francisco

By Henny Jacobs

Flashing lights of cameras and camera phones went off as pictures lit up the atrium of Academy of Art University’s fashion building.

What presumably seemed like another day in San Francisco, was anything but - the Enfant Terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier was gracing many fashion students, instructors, directors and the press with his undeniable presence. And the fashionable students were dressed to kill.

At about 13 past 2:00pm, on March 21, 2012 passersby would’ve typically assumed that there was a rock star in the building. But there was! Gaultier trotted down the crowded atrium behind Executive Director of fashion (Academy of Art University), Gladys Perint Palmer, and also the President of the University, Elisa Stephens. As the crowd of the atrium began to

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take their seats, the excitement was still uncanny, and extremely awesome at the same time.

Students clapped and cheered the fashion designer on, as they awaited the conversational exchange between Gaultier and Palmer.

What was all the fuss about?

Gaultier’s visit was also prompted and inspired by his upcoming exhibition at the De Young Museum - The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, beginning March 24 - August 19, 2012. This upcoming event has not only fashion students at AAU overwhelmed with zest, but artsy and cultured individuals in San Francisco as well.

During his casual dialogue, Gaultier shared endearing words to the audience of the past, and how he never received former training in fashion. He alluded to

the fact that his sketches were often looked down upon with instructors and others. We could all hope that those individuals are now biting their tongues because of Gaultier’s past success.

But are they? Gaultier’s career has been a series of up and downs, mostly ups, especially in the 1990’s.

However, Gaultier’s background in fashion did not come from collegiate training, he like many other designers was self-trained.

He began sketching his crazy designs for fashion as a child; at 17, he sent sketches to Pierre Cardin, who made him an assistant.

Gaultier then worked for many other French designers, before he began his own label in 1976. During the height of his whimsical career, he rose to fame with his outlandish runway shows, which included: plus-sized models, midgets, animals, Hasidic inspired clothing and more. But we all know, it was

designing Madonna’s costumes for her Blond Ambition tour, that plagued the “cone-bra” in our minds, indefinitely.

“Have love for beauty and adventure with your professions, with art, with music, with sketches, with design… with fashion itself.”

With his witty comments at AAU, and that oh so awe-like French humor, the audience smiled and nodded in an amicable place. He made relatable comments and displayed that imaginative intellect that can only be loved.

Gaultier told the audience of students “to do your profession because you love it, you like it, and because you have a passion for it.” Gaultier was then presented with a doctorial achievement award where he explained, “I never get prize in school.” The audience smiled and cheered with admiration.

He was humble and relatable, which really spoke to many of the students there.

He also noted that, “fashion is everything”, which most fashion lovers can agree with. Even though Gaultier’s collections haven’t always been received well, because of recent practicality in women’s wear, or even because of more ingenious emerging designers of today. Gaultier still remains one of the most recognized and inventive haute couture designers.

Jean Paul Gaultier, was ever so charming, witty, and surprisingly, brightened up a typical day in San Francisco on the day the enfant terrible came to San Francisco.

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Kyndra Donelson Creative Handmade Jewelry Takes Us to Space and BEYOND Kyndra Donelson is an eclectic jewelry designer. Her digital earrings are adorned with some of the world’s most influential figures, and are hanging from the ears of hot celebrities. Donelson and her grandmother created the name and brand 8 years ago. Keeping some of the letters small and the others bigger, one can’t help but remember such a catchy brand as, FroMe2U. After playing with wood pieces, paint and portraits of hiphop, fashion, and pop culture luminaries, she teamed up with her grandmother; and discovered a unique way to create a special kind of earring.

“We noticed trends among guys wearing Bob Marley chains, and thought women are iconic as well! At the time, accessories were a little basic and we thought images are a great way to get noticed and express what type of person you are, your interest, etc.

Over the years, FroMe2U has grown tremendously, with a long list of hip-hop celebrity fans including: Lil Momma, Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj, and Lisa Raye. These ingenious earrings have been featured in a few small, national and international publications, and appeared on countless television networks.

Donelson has also proven to be a strong force in fashion. By branching out and diversifying her brand, FroMe2U now offers t-shirts, hats, necklaces, bracelets and more. Donelson promotes the brand everywhere, from Facebook to Twitter; she has even hosted numerous fashion 39 | RAW

Website Launch Party: Left to Right - Holly Fitzgerald, Deron Miller, Dana Anderson, Klee Robinson, and CEO of FroMe2U - Kyndra Donelson

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shows and events displaying her artsy work. Just recently, On January 14, 2012, Donelson had a launch party for her new website, www.FroMe2u. com. A site wherein customers can choose what kind of accessories they prefer, they choose between a various amount of unique, and hand crafted jewelry. Customers are also able to custom-make their own accessories to their liking.

They are also able to get their jewelry personalized, with even their faces custom-made on a pair of earrings.

Donelson is very crafty, fusing unusual canvasses from abstract art with captivating images. She uses metal, plastic, and wood (which are the classics) and then adds pictures to the earrings. These shapes range from lipsticks cases, pictures of Africa, or even block shaped earrings with powerful onomatopoeia’s atop them. Honoring everyone from CoCo Chanel to LL Cool J, she has taken this digital world we live in, and turned it into something quite different and fun. Donelson has proven to be a leading role within the urban community, generating a stir in the hip-hop community.

“When it came to women, creating wearable art made since! FroMe2U Digital Earrings –is a digital accessory company,” said Donelson.

Just 8 years ago, Kyndra Donelson was selling her custom-made earrings out of her pencil case, now the likes of rapper Nikki Minaj, Nikki Jean, Killer Mike, Amber Rose, and many other admirers are sporting her digital earrings. What will Donelson do next, perhaps, that flagship store in Tokyo, she often speaks of; and with the trademark symbol as an alien, and this brand has definitely confirmed that they are “out of space”. What the future holds, Donelson does not claim to know. Whatever is next in store for this shining star, it will be grand; she has remained humble, no matter what celebrity has crossed her path. She has stayed grounded and built a team based on trust, with a momentous amount of innovation. From me to you, Kyndra Donelson is an original star that is not falling.

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A dark, ghostly image

of a man is plastered in front of a bar code; it is a similar representation of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucifixion, but it is not Jesus Christ, and it is not 30 A.D, it is 2012, and the image is in oil painting, a portrait by Kavin Orantes, with numbers surreptitiously peeking out from the bottom. This is not traditional art; this is the work of Orantes slipping into consciousness, portraying a martyr - for the people, his people, his country, and himself.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society, we often find many artists with a distinctive point of view, with a clear and concise idea of their craft. They are emphatic about what they do, and are non-conformists.

However, in this world, there are artists that conform to beauty and traditional forms of art. Orantes is anything but that, he is an artist who prefers to be on the other side of the spectrum.

When we are overly saturated with installations and new age art, how do

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we find enjoyment and appreciation of the academic and traditional art of the past? We look into a mirror of society. Or at least, that is what Kavin Orantes does.Kavin Orantes is a 23 year old Guatemalan. He is a studying Fine Arts at Academy of Art University, in San Francisco, California. Only in his second year at the university, Orantes has presently made quite the name for himself. After many artists have to wait through the grueling process of getting their work into the world, Orantes has already shown in various art galleries in the Bay Area. Someone who is not clearly connected to the art world might not really understand the difficulty of entering your work in a gallery. “It’s hard to get your work into galleries, because most galleries ask for strong portfolios.

The style and the theme, of some galleries are very specific…They look for an academic approach over concept, others are looking for street art, and some don’t even care,” Orantes states.

Orantes has proven time and time again that he is leaning more towards a more traditional approach in his artwork. However, he cannot stray too far from the boldness of his craft. Orantes often uses forms of deconstruction to ensure that his work embodies power, rage, darkness, and pure emotion.

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What some might not know is that this emotion comes from his country. Guatemala is used as a huge source of inspiration. Not landscapes, not beautiful corn fields, not architecture - but the hardship, and the loss of a nation. From 19601996 there was The Guatemalan Civil War, which is expressed in Orantes’ artwork.

Throughout those 36 years of turmoil, Guatemalans faced a momentous amount of adversity, which was originally plagued by a class of Elites, who owned the vast majority of the land. The Guatemalan Civil War was the longest struggle in modern Latin American history. It is reported that 200,000 lives were loss, and 1.5 million people were chased from their homes.

This struggle was one with its roots planted in the grossly unequal distribution of wealth, which existed in Guatemalan society for many years, and also served as an undertone throughout the war.

The harshness of those years of shambles is depicted in Orantes’ work. His work is filled with abstract gas masks and ghostly faces, which symbolizes the lack of identity from the Guatemalan people. Orantes states that the gas masks also represent not only a lack of identity, but silence - a lack of innocence. “People were broken,” he stated. Is it safe to say that Orantes is becoming the catalyst for his country? There is a strong emotional bond that many share with their home, there is a nostalgia, and a deep love, that

is somewhat communal. Some hold that burden in their heart, while others choose to turn that sorrow into something else, and create.

Orantes sites English graffiti artist, Banksy, as a source of inspiration, which is not totally surprising, seeing as Banksy is known for his political and notorious artwork. In Orantes painting, there is a like quality of controversy and drama. In Seasonless, a painting, based on a Dolce & Gabbana men’s underwear ad, Orantes illustrates conspicuous male models in gas masks, with buffed bodies. What is usually represented as sexy, and provocative, is still represented as strong and dominating, but not sexy, more eerie, and peculiar. As most of Orantes’ work holds the bar for strange and elusive, there is an unusual uniformity in most, if not all of his work. There is a consistency, with a need to push a button, to turn a head, to strain an eye. There is a need for you to think about the story that is being told- to feel the pain, the wrath, and ultimately connect, or not.

“There is something about human interaction that pulls my attention more than anything else; I see them move here and , there trying to find answers to irrelevant questions,” Orantes says.

In his paintings, the brushstrokes are harsh and edgy; mostly consisting of dark colors, with a starkness that is somewhat relatable, and speculatively flagrant. He sketches a child in front of chalk board, writing “Education is Freedom”, while men amounting from the floor are pointing rifles at the young kid. His most provocative piece, however, features a figure with no face. He has no identity. He is just a number, hanging overly in front of a bar code. This portrait is similar to Jesus’ crucifixion, although he is not nailed, merely hanging while

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men are peeking, from behind. His skin is tan with shades of grays, blacks, and reds.

The strokes look dabbed, not fearful, but ready to conquer, as an abstraction of wings melt quiescently, from behind.

When observing his paintings more in depth, there is agitated force – a voice that slightly gives society the middle finger, and will continue giving the finger, until they all listen up! Orantes makes no apologies for the blatant approach, nor does anyone expect him to. Society forces some people to go one way and they listen, but artists, true artists- have other words for society, and not always nice words.

“Society fools itself with its lack of identity.

In a world where everyone invades everyone, our actions are the product of the conformist masses, more than individual reasoning.”

Kavin Orantes is a prime example of an artist who uses the art forms and techniques from the past, with an abundant amount of the present day, and future. By siting human behavior as his greatest muse, the flood gates of creativity become vastly opened, and catapults into something. That can only be defined as art.

“We can either be a slave of monotony or agents of greater cause, intellectual revolutions, art revolutions, shake reason and anyone against it.” - Kavin Orantes

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Chantal Marshall is an extremely talented young woman on the rise. Hailing from Philadelphia, by way of Atlanta for school, all the way back east to New York for her career. There is NO stopping Marshall. With a Fashion Design/ Marketing degree, and a momentous amount of experience in this whimsical industry; this ambitious young woman is on her way.. When internships and retail experience can sometimes seem monotonous, fashion enthusiasts wonder where to turn.

At that moment-that’s when you indulge yourself into your craft wholeheartedly,

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and that is exactly what Marshall did. She basically decided to put all of her love and loathe for the fashion industry in the tip of her maker..

With her added knowledge as a Photoshop expert (or so I like to think), Marshall has taken it upon herself to create her own world. A world full creativity, innovation, color and lots of gumption. Never taking no for answer, she has set her sights high on the fashion industries shoe designing business.

Hoping to make her indelible mark in New York City, very soon. With her keen eye for quirkiness, great illustrations, bold patterns, and Chuck Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Marshall will soar to higher heights, or kick down the doors in whatever funky shoes sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting.. Keep a look out for this artist on the rise!!

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Realm

There is some art that you see and you totally understand the premise, you understand the ideas it shapes, and ultimately, the concept as a whole. There is art that makes you upset, it outrages your entire psyche, and disturbs your being, to its core. Then, there is beauty; there is mystery mixed with an imaginative secret, which only the artist knows. Suffice to say, I met an artist, whose work encompasses all of these vast emotions. The answer to the secret wasn’t discovering something as simple as the paint that’s being used. The answer was as simple as an open mind, readily receptive to life.

Shawn Vales is a Fine Arts major studying in the graduate school department at Academy of Art University. He is not just a student, Vales is probably one of the most interesting people to be featured in RAW. I met Vales almost two years ago in a Creative Writing class.

Week after week we would submit interesting samples of our work, to be critiqued by our peers. We then were asked to submit the critiques for the writer to read, and take in the construction criticism, in order to perfect the next piece. As soon as I read Vales’ story, a gory tale of a being, or a man, which left me pleasantly surprised, and confused. Vales’ perplexities began to stand out, in a good way. Nevertheless, I was in awe then, and even more now. With his exuberant delivery in various forms of creativity, one can’t help but be amazed.

I recently sat down with, Vales, who informed me of the inner workings of his craft, the inspiration, and the freeness of his approach. He shared the unconventional and quirky tools he uses, to give his work the depth it needs.

Vales took me on an elusive journey, full of his imagination, and his parallel universe. It is a mystical expedition, which only he can offer.

Another Scream

RAW: How do you differentiate from other artists, locally or globally?

SHAWN VALES: I think I differ from other artists on a surface level, an

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aesthetic level. But deep down I believe all artists are free thinkers who understand the significance of self- awareness attained by making art. An artist is compelled to share the transcendental truths discovered through introspection.

These truths are for everyone and, to one degree or another, have the potential to create change in the world. I think, below the surface, creating change is something many artists hope of their art. Change within themselves, within others, within societies.

Inside Out

R: Where do you see yourself as an artist? Or are you just doing it for art’s sake/sake of art?

SV: I see myself working toward making creative development a more significant aspect of society.

People should make art regardless of how good they are at it, or how bad they think it looks. Ultimately, I see myself teaching art and creative development.

R: Do you define your art? And if so how?

SV: If anything, my art is about the strangeness of being alive and the wonder of not knowing. It is about being in that moment and experiencing it indefinitely. I choose to paint from my imagination because it is timeless. There is no linearity. No definition. My work doesn’t make statements or provide answers, it asks questions.

R: As an artist, does that affect your relationship, ideals, or interactions with others?

SV: It is actually motivating, encouraging and comforting.

R: Do you see love, pain, hope, despair or spirituality in the work that you do?

R: Tell me about some of the unconventional tools that you use to perfect your craft?

SV: I’m sure it is all there, but no I don’t see it. I just see cool things I paint from my imagination.

SV: Aside from the usual palette knives, brushes and mediums I also use squeegees, compressed air, and a turkey baster, to name a few. Texture is a major component of my art, and so I explore new textures by experimenting with unconventional objects.

R: Are there any specific movements that speak to you at all?

(Surrealism, Pop Art, Relativism, or maybe Impressionism) SV: Comic books attracted me to art when I was young and Surrealism was the first art movement to inspire me. Since then I have discovered appreciation for all art movements, as they are all an integral part of what art means today. I’ve been reading the writings of Mark Rothko and Robert Motherwell recently, so I would say I am currently interested in the abstract expressionists.

R: How has your background affected your work?

SV: I come from a family that knows love. It doesn’t matter where I am from, where I have been or what has happened other than that I have felt love all my life.

That has inf luenced my character in every way, all the way down to what I paint and why.

R: Being an artist, how do you think your work will affect others, and how is it relevant to today’s society?

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SV: I can only hope my work will inspire people to think about things introspectively and stimulate emotions not often felt.

I think self- awareness expands an individuals’ capacity to love. It also enables one to need less and be more accepting of others.

R: Where do you see the future of art headed - to more mixed mediums and installations? Or back to more traditional and academic art?

Colossus

SV: Traditional art will never

die if it hasn’t died already. But technology continues to introduce new mediums and environments for artists to recreate self-expression and the future of art follows the path of technology. One day, when people are advanced machines with multiple hard drives installed in their brains, they may be able to see into other each other’s imaginations and artists may bring other people’s ideas to life. It is just one of the many possibilities.

Vales’ most recent collection fuses ideas of imagination, it is conceptual, but more psychological - we see splatters of brown paint, mixed with the beauty of perspective. It is fresh and intense, just as its creator.

Although humble, and ever so intellectual beyond his years, Vales always manages to astonish me, to say the least. He is what many artists should aspire to be, raw, open, and ref lective.

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Abandoned